KIIT & KISS celebrate 12th National Handloom Day, reiterates commitment to promoting traditional weaves

Bhubaneswar, Aug. 7: The 12th National Handloom Day was celebrated at KIIT-DU on Friday. The day marked the celebration of KAANCHI 2026 to promote and encourage the use of handloom.

Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Odisha Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Co-operation and Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts, Shri Pradeep Bal Samanta said National Handloom Day is observed to promote India’s handloom sector, encourage the use of eco-friendly clothing and inspire the younger generation to adopt handloom in their daily lives. Describing weavers as the soul of the handloom sector, he said the State Government remains committed to their welfare. Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Vocal for Local” initiative, the Minister urged people to wear handloom garments at least once every week to strengthen the country’s traditional weaving community.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Achyuta Samanta, Founder of KIIT, KISS and KIMS, said India possesses a rich handloom tradition, with Odisha occupying a special place in the country’s textile heritage. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi instituted National Handloom Day in 2015 to honour millions of handloom weavers and bring greater recognition to their contribution. Owing to sustained efforts, Indian handloom products have today gained popularity across the world, he added.

Prof. Samanta said he has been promoting Odisha’s handloom tradition globally for nearly three decades. As part of this effort, around 15,000 handloom sarees are distributed every year to visitors to KIIT to support weavers and strengthen their livelihoods, popularise the craft and create market opportunities for artisans.

He noted that KAANCHI is being organised by the KIIT Student Activity Centre (KSAC), while the KIIT School of Fashion Technology is also actively observing National Handloom Day through various initiatives to celebrate and promote India’s rich weaving traditions.

Debjani Deghuria, joined the function as celebrity guest and encouraged one and all to use handloom in a big way. KIIT VC Prof Saranjit Singh and Prof. Jnyana Ranjan Mohanty, Registrar also spoke on the occasion.

Earlier during the day, KISS also organised an event to observe the day where handloom entrepreneurs shared their thoughts about promotion of weavers and taking Odisha handloom to the world stage.